Union demands bigger focus on mine rehabilitation

A union has accused the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) of failing to properly regulate the mining industry in the Latrobe Valley.

The Princes Freeway was closed at Morwell about six weeks ago after cracks emerged in the road and the nearby Morwell mine.

Ground movement in the open-cut mine has been blamed for the road closure.

Luke van der Meulen from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says the Morwell mine near the freeway was decommissioned about 30 years ago.

He says the ground movement and cracking could have been prevented if the mine was properly rehabilitated and filled in.

"I think the Department of Primary Industries has a lot to answer for," he said.

"They're responsible ... and had this rehabilitation always been part of mining in the Latrobe Valley then we wouldn't have these problems and I think the DPI needs to get on and make the rehabilitation of the mines as big a priority as opening up of new areas and new mines."